New Balance Rainier
All New Balance Rainier Sneakers
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Why Choose the New Balance Rainier?
The New Balance Rainier, first released in the early 1980s, was born out of a collaboration with legendary mountaineer Lou Whittaker to create a lightweight yet durable boot for serious outdoor exploration.
Designed to bridge the gap between hiking footwear and athletic shoes, the Rainier combined the rugged traction and ankle support needed for the mountains with the cushioning and flexibility of a running shoe. Its use of suede and nylon on the upper, paired with a grippy Vibram outsole, made it both tough and versatile, suitable for demanding terrain without the bulk of traditional hiking boots.
As one of New Balance’s earliest forays into outdoor performance, the Rainier became a pioneering model that influenced the brand’s later trail and hiking offerings, while also finding new life as a stylish lifestyle boot in recent years.
